Panel of mentors lead the discussion
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This week’s topic in our series on Steppingstones to Spiritual Health was unusual in several ways. Having recognized that Body Discipline and Spiritual Life was a challenging combination for himself alone, Pastor Kelvin asked several members of the congregation to serve on a panel of mentors to lead the discussion. Participants were Maurice Gabbidon, a marathoner, Barbara Murray, a Medical Assistant, and JoAnne Jones, a former triathlete and current treadmill regular. It was immediately obvious that the panel’s experience and wisdom brought a great deal of richness to the discussion. Pastor Kelvin moderated.
Some ways that bodily discipline and spiritual health are entwined became evident as the the panel shared life lessons they had learned. Some of the gems of wisdom were:
- Maurice explained how running outside in nature helps you to worship the Creator of it all as you observe all the beauty around you. On trails away from traffic, listening only to the sounds of nature, your mind has some rest too, allowing for prayer and for God to speak to you.
- The panel reminded us of the wise saying, “Listen to your body.” Staying healthy as we exercise requires that we stay tuned to the body’s signals as to when we may be overdoing to our hurt or not pushing ourselves in ways that are needed.
- JoAnne noted that the Bible refers to our human body as the temple where the Spirit of God lives (1 Cor. 3:16, 6:16). This motivates us to care for our body as a part of our spiritual health.
- Barbara reminded us that being significantly overweight, as many Americans are, is a big health risk in many serious ways. Pastor Kelvin noted that sickness can put stress on our spiritual lives as well.
- Maurice and JoAnne both pointed out the strong tie between endurance sports and the spiritual character traits of perseverance and patience. Pastor Kelvin mentioned that these are both traits the Bible calls for us as Christians to excel in.
- JoAnne and Maurice noted a practical lesson from running. One learns to tackle large “hills” in life one step at a time. The big goal may seem overwhelming, even impossible. But by taking it one step at a time, it is eventually conquered. This adds to confidence for tackling other goals.
- Barbara and Maurice reminded us that exercise is essential for strengthening the “core.” These inner muscles help us maintain balance, but without exercise, they weaken greatly with advancing age.
The Scripture text which was very helpful in the discussion was one in which Paul used words that related to the Greek games. He was writing to Corinth where the Isthmian Games, which were second only to the Olympic games, were held.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
1 Cor 9:24-27 ESV
The group agreed that, just as athletes train with a purpose, so Christians should exercise self-control and discipline their lives with purpose in maintaining both their physical health and their spiritual health. Our goals are not only in this lifetime but also for eternity (1 Timothy 4:8).